What do you get when you combine one million cyclists, 50 states and a day of national rallies? Positive social change in the form of a national bike movement. At least that is what Joe Kurmaskie is hoping for.

Known to most as “Metal Cowboy,” Kurmaskie is a nationally recognized magazine columnist and bike fanatic. Pushed by two tragic bike accidents in Portland last October, as well as inspired by U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s call for a “national movement,” Kurmaskie decided to launch One Million Bicycles.

The goal is to round up 1 million cyclists by August 9, 2009 when they will come together in rides and rallies across the nation. “Think of this as the cycling equivalent to Woodstock — but in 50 states and upwards of 100 rallies all on the same day. We’re trying to be positive agents of change by talking our talk through the rallies and walking our talk, or in this case, riding our talk,” said Kurmaskie.

Today marks the official national launch of One Million Bicycles’ website. Here people can find out more about the project as well as register for $5. Why have a fee? For every dollar raised, 75 cents goes to the repari and tune-up of used bikes for giveaway, 15 cents goes to promotional support for the rally, and 10 cents to administration. The used bike giveaway is a central focal point of the project; along with getting one million riders to sign up for the national day of action, one million used bikes will be given away as well.

One Million Bicycles also hopes to raise awareness and support for Congressmen Blumenauer’s recent National Bike Bill, which calls for a doubling of current funding for bicycling at the state and national levels. As Blumenauer has said himself, if one million “cycling fanatics” around the country could work together than it would have “a transformational effect on politics.” Time to get on your bike and start making a political statement.